Civil Government Bans Guatemalan Secret Police Unit
The new civilian government of President Vinicio Cerezo abolished a secret police unit accused of human rights violations under past military regimes, and its 600 officers were taken into custody Wednesday in an action called “Operation Surprise.”
Cerezo announced that the Defense Ministry and national police officers went to the headquarters of the secret police unit, known as the Technical Investigations Department (DIT), and escorted the 600 officers to a police barracks in Guatemala City.
“We have received some complaints that cases of theft of automobiles and acts of violence were carried out by personnel of the DIT,” Cerezo said in a news conference at the national palace.
“The suspension of activities of the DIT falls within the reorganization of the security forces, especially the police, to guarantee the security of the Guatemalans themselves,” he said.
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